Welcome

Since 2000, the WCPC has partnered with over 100 local organizations and community leaders to tackle real world problems. Research teams, made up of WPI faculty and students, work collaboratively with local leaders to develop economically, technically, and socially feasible solutions to pressing community problems. Each problem represents an opportunity for students and community partners to collaborate creatively and design real solutions for real people. Through the program, students realize their ability and responsibility to use their knowledge and experience to help address pressing issues facing their community and the world.

Project Sponsors

Thank you for your interest in the WCPC! We believe you will be tremendously impressed by our students’ dedication and the quality of their work. Feel free to peruse our website to learn more about the Interactive Qualifying Project (IQP) process and how you can collaborate with us. What is an IQP? The Interactive Qualifying…

WPI Students

Have a global IQP experience in neighborhoods close to campus. Complete an off-campus IQP for NO additional cost! Start local, realize global impacts! Become truly engaged and integrated in your community. Exercise your potential to make an impact in statewide politics and national movements! Flexibility: You can complete your IQP in B, C, D or E term! The WCPC develops projects both from the grass…

WCPC in the News

July 15, 2021 – Growing a Plan for Food Availability, Access, and Options April 15, 2021 – WPI students help Audio Journal listeners connect by developing first phone app October 6, 2020 – WPI Students presented Keys to the City of Worcester February 2019 – WCPC students presented with prestigious President’s IQP Award April 30,…

Explore Projects

The Worcester Community Project Center operates four terms per academic year, running from mid October through late June. Each “project term” the WCPC students complete 4-7 projects for the greater Worcester community, totaling 12-21 community based projects per academic year.

May 18, 2023August 28, 2023 by mklarrabee

Habitat for Humanity: Developing a New and Sustainable Weight Estimation Method for Habitat for Humanity (MetroWest/Greater Worcester) and Beyond

Project Overview (Abstract) Habitat for Humanity Metro-West/Greater Worcester needed a new method to estimate landfill diversion from their ReStore sales. Finding diversion numbers is important as this aids the organization in applying for grants to support the nonprofit financially. We developed a methodology for finding the average weight of inventory being purchased by customers. We…

May 3, 2023May 9, 2023 by ihmacinerney

Worcester Community Fridges: Weatherizing and protecting fridge enclosures

Project Description Since the pandemic, Worcester Community Fridges has strived to fill in the gaps of food insecurity in Worcester by providing a public communal fridge where anyone can donate and take food at one’s leisure Due to the unique challenge of maintaining a fridge outdoors, our project was meant to explore ways to better…

Recent Projects